SEE’s Foodie Finds Boondocks: Casual Riverfront Outdoor Dining

Boondocks, Casual Riverfront Outdoor Dining

The opportunity to relax is one of the best parts about being in a beach area like Daytona. Another nice thing is being able to go out for a meal rather than having to cook one yourself. Although I love to cook, it’s nice to have someone else make the meal while I relax and enjoy the scenery; especially when the food is delicious and the scenery is beautiful. My recent lunch experience at Boondocks offered the perfect balance of relaxing atmosphere and great food.

Boondocks is a casual, open-air seafood restaurant on a dock with gorgeous views of the Halifax River. Located in Wilbur-by-the-Sea on S. Peninsula Avenue, Boondocks is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat after you’ve been on the beach. The restaurant is completely outdoors with both covered seating as well as uncovered. The seating arrangement is “picnic style,”- adding to the casual beach feeling that the restaurant emanates. After grabbing my picnic table, I was immediately greeted by a friendly waitress who took the time to highlight the most popular menu items as well as the lunch specials for the day.

The lunch specials often include “the catch of the day” and other seafood based dishes. The restaurant also has plenty of non-seafood options including sandwiches, salads, and pasta dishes. I ordered a garden salad with grilled chicken along with a side of Arlene’s Famous Garlic Bread, in honor of the gracious owner of the establishment. My mom opted for seafood and ordered the grilled fish sandwich and french fries. Although the food tasted amazing, it was the portion size that impressed me the most. The meals at Boondocks are definitely enough to fill you up and leave you with leftovers to take home.

The casual atmosphere of Boondocks is equally pleasant and relaxing. The staff encouraged us to stay as long as we wanted. I took this time to look over the newest issue of See Magazine and to walk around the dock. While at the dock, one of the waitresses invited my friend and me to feed the fish. After joining the crowd to watch the fish swim towards leftover French fries, I stayed for about twenty more minutes just relaxing at our table. The breeze off the river created the perfect temperature for taking a break before continuing with the rest of the activities for the day.

Boondocks serves as a great lunchtime destination, but can also be a fun nighttime spot. The restaurant is open until 10pm and also has a bar, providing the perfect opportunity for an evening out on the river. There are many great eating options in the Daytona Beach area, and Boondocks is no exception. If you are looking for a place to eat in the middle of a day while at the beach, you can come to Boondocks and grab a quick lunch. If a casual dinner is what you are looking for, stop by at night for a waterfront meal. Even if you just want to grab a drink at the bar, Boondocks offers in a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere.

~Amanda Michael

Boondocks
Open: Daily 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Location: 3948 S. Peninsula Dr. (beach side, south of Dunlawton)
Phone: (386) 760-9001